Iceland has become a popular stop-over destination for those flying between North America and Europe. Even though Iceland looks high up on a flat map, it’s actually on or near the flight paths of many routes that cross the Atlantic. This island in the north Atlantic is the literal meeting place of North America and Europe (more about that in the article) and makes for a fascinating place for a short break.

If Iceland isn’t your end destination you can still pack a lot into your trip if you have a full day to spare. Having done the trip myself I recommend spending your arrival day exploring Reykjavik, and then pick one of the many Golden Circle tours that is on offer for a full day trip. You could even do this trip if you flight is later at night. Booking in advance will also save you looking around while you are in Reykjavik and be guaranteed a seat.

The Golden Circle is the name given to the main tourist route that loops around southern Iceland. The route covers about 300 kilometres, with Reykjavík as the start and end point.

Stops on the route vary according to tour operators but the core stops on the trip are the Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and a visit to the Geysir and Strokkur geysers at the Haukadalur geothermal area. The best thing to do would be to browse through the available tours to see what additional stops appeal the most.

Here are some of the highlights of the tour, including the three main stops.

Hellisheidavirkjun (Geothermal Power Plant)

For many tours this is the first place to visit. The recently opened Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheidi Power Station showcases the development of geothermal energy in Iceland. It exhibits geology, technology, and history in a very entertaining, informative and accessible way with multimedia exhibits.

Gullfoss Waterfall

All the golden circle tours include this Gullfoss Waterfall in their itinerary. It is also known as the golden falls and is the most famous waterfall in Iceland, on the river Hvíta. You can stand close to this powerful waterfall and feel the mist of the glacial waters on your face. The water plunges into a crevice 32 meters deep creating a magnificent fall that is a great highlight of any visit to Iceland.

Geysir Geothermal Area

This stop on the circuit is commonly visited after lunch on the tours. The Haukadalur valley is geothermally active area that features the famous Geysir (also known as The Great Geysir) and it’s the origin for the English word geyser (though nothing to do with geezers). Geysir geyser is mostly dormant now so you would be lucky to see it. These days the Strokkur geyser is the star of the show, which shoots a water column up to 30 meters high every 4 to 8 minutes into the air.

Efstidalur – Icelandic farm

Another place to visit is Efstidalur, which is a family farm closely located to Lake Laugarvatn. The farm features an ice cream barn which has become quite famous. You can choose different flavored ice cream they produce from the cows milk at the farm. Every tour should have an ice cream break so it is hard to by this option.

Lake Laugarvatn – Vígalaug pool

The small town of Laugarvatn with a population of about 200 people is the home to Lake Laugarvatn. The lake contains geothermal springs right under its surface, with one of the hot springs connected to it being the Vígdalaug spring. The pool was consecrated by Norwegian priests when Iceland became a Christian nation, and the water was used to baptize people.

Friheimar greenhouse cultivation center

Driving around the countryside in southern Iceland you will notice the abundance of greenhouses. With the land not being the most suitable place to grow food this is a vital industry for Iceland to be less reliant on food imports. This idyllic farming place offers a quick lesson on the magic behind the delicious tomatoes and cucumbers grown without pesticides. They use the geothermal heat that is in abundance in Iceland.

Crater Keri

This volcanic Crater Lake is the result of an eruption, emptying its magma reserve and leaving the volcanic cone that collapsed inwards creating the lake. It is bordered by strongly colored red volcanic rock indicating the heat that formed this natural marvel.

Faxi Waterfall

This comes after the Crater Lake and is about 12 km from Gullfoss and Geysir. It is created along the river Tungufljot and makes a part of the golden cycle trail.

Thingvellir National Park and Xarárfoss waterfall

The tour ends with a visit to the National Park Thingvellir. The park holds great history with remarkable geological features. In this park is there the Eurasian and American tectonic plates meet, which move apart a few centimeters annually. The Icelandic parliament (Althing) was formed here in 930 AD, making it the oldest parliamentary site in the world. UNESCO has designated this place as a World Heritage Site. There is also the beautiful Xarárfoss waterfall close by.

So that’s a general over of the Golden Circle tour. Obviously if you have more time to spare you should see more of Iceland, but this tour allows you to see the best of Iceland in a one day trip.

If you are planning a trip to Italy this year and looking to take in some wine tasting, here is a handy guide that you may find useful. As with most things in life, opinions vary, but from our perspective this is Wine Tasting at its best!

1) Chianti Classico wine tour
The name alone sounds smooth and sophisticated and Chianti Classico is truly one of the best red wines that Italy has to offer. What’s more it is made in the scenic area of Tuscany where you will find incredible panoramas in every direction. The wine tours often depart from the beautiful cultural city of Florence, a national treasure in itself, and aim to fit in two wineries in a day. For instance you could try some bottles of the famous Riserva and then move on to the heady delights of the IGT Super Tuscan.

Arriving at the San Casciano winery in the AM, you will be amazed at the play of the morning light on the rolling hills around. Tasting the wines usually means just that and if you spit them out then you can drive yourself without problems. If you prefer to drink the wine then an organised tour may be better for you. Chianti Classico is made from the Sangioviese grape.

2) Montepulciano wine tour
Another distinct grape, another distinct Italian town. Because there is a chance to taste this rich, reddish brown wine first thing in the morning it will make the afternoon walk through the medieval streets of Montepulciano all the more enjoyable.

Afterwards you get an insight into how this special wine is made with a guided tour and some explanations about the local viticulture processes.

3) Montalcino wine tour
Similar sounding but quite unique. This one is a real collector’s item so consider investing in some wine when you take your tour here. The Montalcino wine is made by Brunellodi Montalcino and he has created one of the few DOCG wines which are prized by collectors for their depth of flavour and tasty tannins.

By law the wine must be aged for four years before it is sold. Another great advantage of the way that the wine is made is that it will last for at least 10 years so there is no rush to drink it.

4) Valpolicella wine tour
Located near to Romeo and Juliet’s Verona, the Valpolicella wine is sure to bring out the romantic in you. This red wine tastes as good as it sounds and it is made from a variety of grapes which are unique to the region. Indeed Valpolicella means ‘The Valley of Cellars’ so there is no limit to how much time you could spend here. Try visiting the cellar at Accordini which is in the village at Pedemonte for some unforgettable wine tasting.

5) Barolo wine tour
Barolo’s picturesque villages are home to an array of vineyards which produce this DOCG wine. To get here you will leave from Milan, either with your own transport or as part of an organised tour. There are numerous wineries here to try including the famous Serralunga cellar. Allow a whole day to see the best wineries and enjoy Barolo itself.

itravelnet.com – Travel Directory and Blog

Travel blog:
Travel articles and press releases from travel writers and news outlets.Travel Directory:
The best travel sites sorted into relevant categories.Travel Guide:
An index of travel guides for every country in the world.